Research conducted by Santander revealed that, UK-wide, 39% of adults cite proximity to loved ones as the main influence on selecting a location for property purchase, followed by 28% who identify being near to work as the deciding factor.
Affordability of the area is important to 20% of people, while being close to areas of natural beauty is crucial to 16%.
Only 13% say good transport links are a determining factor outside the capital.
In London the entire picture is different, with 34% citing proximity to work, 33% family and 31% transport as the primary motivator for choosing to buy in a particular location.
Quality of local schools is only a key factor for 9% of respondents country-wide.
Andy Smith, spokesperson for Santander, said: “It’s interesting to see the differences across the country in what influences people to live where they do. Those who live in London won’t be surprised to hear that transport links are so important to Londoners, but it is revealing that the capital is the only place in the UK where friends and family aren’t the top factor governing where they live.”
Phil Cliff, director of mortgages added: “Choosing the right home in the right area is a hugely important decision for buyers when they have so many factors to consider. Our research tells us that affordability is a hugely important decision for buyers and with so many factors to consider it is reassuring that Santander, the Home of UK mortgages, offers a range of competitive mortgage deals to help keep costs as low as possible.”
